The problem list: Brain cancer, full stop

Surviving
Written By Liz Salmi
medical_records.jpg

“I have eczema too!“

I've had a rash all over both my legs for four days. I think it has to do with a new lotion I tried but the rash is still here and I figured I might as well call the 24 Hour Advice Nurse service provided by Kaiser.

The friendly nurse who answered my call asked for my medical record number and then said, "Sorry for the delay, the computer is taking a bit of time pulling up your medical record."

Then I heard a gasp.

"Oh my! You poor thing! It says here you have an astrocytoma and seizures and a tremor. Wow! And at such a young age, too."

I add in, "I have eczema too!"

I'm such a nerd.

Liz Salmi

Liz Salmi is Communications & Patient Initiatives Director for OpenNotes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Over the last 15 years Liz has been: a research subject; an advisor in patient stakeholder groups; a leader in “patient engagement” research initiatives; and an innovator, educator and investigator in national educational and research projects. Today her work focuses on involving patients and care partners in the co-design of research and research dissemination. It is rumored Liz was the drummer in a punk rock band.

https://thelizarmy.com
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